RT of RAIN. 83 



but the temperance of our climate may, in fome meafure, be 

 produced in confequence of the variable nature of our winds. 

 So far as this is the cafe, that the mixture of different dreams 

 of the atmofphere temperates the heat and cold of our air, this 

 operation mould be attended with proportionate condenfation 

 of aqueous vapour. Here the theory is brought to the ted of 

 obfervation. But, before deciding the point in queftion, let us 

 underftand what it is which, in obfervation, mould be decifive 

 with refpecl: to the theory. 



IT is not the quantity of rain which falls during the year, 

 nor in any portion of it, that affords a principle by which to 

 form a judgment in relation to the prefent queftion ; for it is 

 the continuance of rain, and not the quantity, that is the objedl 

 of enquiry. The number of days and hours, throughout the 

 year, in which it rains, is, no doubt, a proper fubjecl for our 

 obfervation, in order to form an eftimate with regard to the 

 point in queftion ; but it is not itfelf that point in queftion. 

 The point is the condenfation of aqueous vapour in the atmo- 

 fphere ; and though no rain can fall without the condenfation 

 of aqueous vapour, there may be much condenfation of that 

 vapour, without rain, as a teftimony of that event. Thus we 

 are led to direct our obfervation to other phenomena befides 

 rain ; appearances which may be equally conclufive, in relation 

 to the point to be decided, with rain itfelf. Now, thefe appear- 

 ances, in which the condenfation of aqueous vapour is equally 

 demonftrated with that of rain, are no other than cloudinefs 

 in our atmofphere. 



THE queftion refpecling the theory being now brought to 

 this ifl~ue, with regard to obfervation, it may be demanded, 

 what is the proportion of ferene fky and cloudinefs in the at- 

 mofphere that properly belongs to this climate ? Here is a que- 

 ftion propofed, that requires not extreme exactnefs in its anfwer. 

 I believe every body, from their recollection, will allow, that, 

 for one day or hour of clear funfhine, there are two or thr-ee of 



L 2 cloudinefs 



